Hard Suspension On A Mk1

[g717xnm]

Hi all,

Can any one give me some idea on how to slove the problem of hard suspension on mk 1 (born dec 15 1989). I only have one elecro valve controling both front and rear central spheres. The ecu is much more simple and does not have the problem of the mk2's. It also has no anti sink sphere.

I have to date replaced the following :
new spheres all round (well about a 1.5 years ago)
new accumulator sphere a week ago
new FDV and pressure reg
new pump
new pump belt
it has hydro flush in it at the mo and has done for about 1200 miles.

It does have one other problem, it sits down on its back end very quickly when parked and looks a bit like it begging for a tip bit!!

It goes up and down well when started and when i bounce each corner is moves nicely. I can , when i open doors hear the sound of the eletro valve click (this sits about an arms lenght under the car below the divers side door.) There are no leaks externaly and never have to top up the LHM even thow i do cheak regularly looking for wetness under the car and in the engin bay.


thanks

Chris

[Peter.N.]

Hi Chris

Has it gone like this suddenly or gradually, can you hear the solonoid valve operate when you open the doors, when you replaced the spheres did you do the centre ones as well?

Peter.N.

[g717xnm]

Hi peter,

I did all 7 and have now renewed the accumulator as i had to replace the fdv and replaced the pressure reg at the same time. I have to say i have never really had soft suspension but in the last six months i have noticed it to be hard and bouncy, i feel every bump.

I have check the electro valve the best i can. it gets 12v and it makes a noise when i open a door. I do have plans to remove it clean it and give it a bench test to see if the solinod is firing and not sticking.

I have noticed that it seems to get harder after steering even at low speeds.

forgot to say i have also had the rear high ajuster replace as it got stuck.

chris

[Peter.N.]

Hi Chris

I have had a centre sphere fail within about two years, in fact I have just changed it and it was absolubtly flat, I can only conclude the the membrane had punctured. Try bouncing each corner with, and then without, the door open, you should have substantially more movement with the door open. You may find you have had one fail just at the back or front, the bounce test should tell you. In 'hard' mode you should have about 2 or 3 inches of movement and in soft, 4 - 6 inches. The back will normally be much softer. If any corner doesn't move you most probably have a failed sphere.

Peter.N.

This post has been edited by Peter.N. on April 06, 2007 10:37 pm